#CozyMystery #Review ~ A Case for the Candle Maker by Candace Havens @CandaceHavens @TulePublishing ~ Ainsley McGregor, Book #4

 

Play with candles and you might get burned…

Ainsley McGregor has her hands full preparing for Sweet River’s Valentine’s Day celebration and her bestie’s wedding. So when a mysterious woman pitches selling her candles in Ainsley’s shop, Bless Your Art, Ainsley nearly blows her off. But the candle’s fragrance is evocative, and she can’t resist placing an order.

The candles are a hit, quickly selling out, but when Ainsley calls the woman to buy more, she’s unreachable. Hoping to connect, Ainsley and her Great Dane, George Clooney, stop by the local bed and breakfast. When George whines outside her room, Ainsley is afraid to look. She soon discovers that the candle maker is dead—in a room that was locked from the inside.

Although her brother, the town sheriff, is on the case, Ainsley believes the prime suspect is innocent. Intent to prove it, Ainsley once again drops into sleuth mode, discovering some surprising truths about the mystery woman. But has she just put herself in the killer’s crosshairs?

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ASIN: B08SJM6HN1
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Publication date: February 9, 2021
Print length: 167 pages

My Review:

A Case for the Candle Maker is book four in the Ainsley McGregor cozy mystery series by Candace Havens. The Valentine's Day celebration is about to take place in Sweet River, plus Ainsley's helping Shannon prepare for her upcoming wedding, so to say Ainsley is a busy woman doesn't really do her justice. During a busy rush in Bless Your Art, Ainsley almost turns away a candle maker until her nose gets the scent of something divine. She, Jasmine, and Shannon become fast friends that day, but things crash and burn when, the next day, Jasmine is found dead in her room at the local B&B. Ainsley dons her sleuthing cap for another engaging, fast-paced, original cozy mystery.

The mystery was set up and executed well. The author did a wonderful job tossing in twists and turns, jaw-dropping moments, and I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it an why. I had no idea who the murderer was in A Case for the Candle Maker. The author included so many potential suspects and clear motives and/or opportunities, I had a really hard time trying narrow down my suspect list. Every time I was sure I knew who it was, the author tossed in something to change my mind. The uncertainty amplified the suspense and nail-biting action of certain scenes, decisions, and the ultimate showdown.

Ainsley is a wonderful character with business know-how and impeccable customer service skills. Her brother, Greg, is the local sheriff, and he tries to keep her from interfering with the case. He should know by now that's not happinging. Shannon is her best friend and partner-in-crime. Jake is a firefighter, friend of Greg's, and Ainsley's boyfriend. Together, the four of them along with Ainsley's friends, make up a great cast of characters. I really missed Ainsley's two students who've helped in the past. They weren't forgotten in the book but they didn't participate in this mystery.

This book was so much fun, enjoyable, and a fast read that keep me engaged. I loved the setting: an artisan market near Valentine's Day with wonderful characters, who are written realistically, and are completely relatable. The world building allowed me to visualize the scenes and I felt like I was there with the characters as they lead their normal, everyday lives. I really like the direction the author is taking Ainsley, as a business owner, small-town citizen, and in her love life. I couldn't put the book down.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: